Our Organization

Bay Area Floating Homes Inc. is a non-profit, public benefit corporation.

At the heart of our mission lies a diverse and vibrant team of local, Bay Area residents united by a shared vision to combat global warming through innovative solutions. Our team holds a tapestry of talents, bringing a rich mosaic of perspectives and professional expertise. Together, we are dedicated to creating sustainable, floating communities that provide safe havens in the face of rising sea levels and offer a blueprint for harmonious living with our environment.

Each member contributes unique insights that are crucial in shaping a future where humanity thrives in balance with nature. Our collective journey is fueled by the passion to create a world where our homes float on the promise of a healthier planet.

Meet our Team

  • A. GORDON ATKINSON, AIA

    PRESIDENT, DIRECTOR, BAFH, Inc.

    B.A. Architecture Southern California Institute of Architecture.

    CA license no. C-22921

    HI license AR-8828

    Gordon Atkinson is a professional architect with over three decades of experience. He specializes in custom homes and has a diverse background that includes roles as a cabinetmaker, furniture maker, carpenter, building contractor, and developer. This hands-on experience has provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the construction process from start to finish.

    Gordon has designed and built homes from Europe to Hawaii, consistently pushing the boundaries of progressive and sustainable building design. He is credited with creating some of the first passive solar homes and green roofs in the United States, demonstrating his commitment to environmentally responsible architecture.

    Since 1998, Gordon has led his architectural practice in San Francisco, where he continues to innovate and influence the field of architecture. His dedication to sustainability and innovative design solutions makes him a leader in creating homes that are both beautiful and environmentally responsible.

  • RUNO OKIOMAH

    SECRETARY, TREASURER, DIRECTOR, BAFH, Inc.

    M.Arch, MIT

    B.Sc. in Architecture, University of Texas at Arlington

    Runo Okiomah, LEED AP, has over 17 years of experience in sustainable architecture and project management, dedicated to innovative solutions that balance the triple bottom line: people, planet, and profit. Born to Nigerian immigrants in the US, Runo has a deep passion for leveraging design to catalyze social good and achieve triple bottom-line success. This passion was evident during her Master of Architecture at MIT, where her thesis on floating structures for living and working communities won the $10K IDEAS Challenge (LINK) . She founded Maabara.org, a social enterprise in rural Kenya for 6 years based on her rMIT research, training students in aquaponics to supplement school meals.

    Recently, Runo served as a leading Project Executive at Google, creating sustainable workplace solutions where she led the Nimble team known for rapid design-build delivery. She has now founded Elo Spaces, an eco-friendly workplace solutions company specializing in eco-responsible office relocations and renovations. Her expertise spans developing sustainable building practices that enhance social and environmental outcomes to managing complex commercial workplace solutions. Her credentials include LEED AP, SEED - Social, Economic & Environmental Designer, and a Sustainable Initiatives for Business certificate from Stanford Business School, demonstrating her commitment to green building practices and the triple bottom line.

    Runo’s holistic approach ensures that every project benefits the community and the environment while maintaining economic viability.

  • GREG HENDERSON

    VICE PRECIDENT, DIRECTOR, BAFH, Inc.

    M.Arch, University of California, Berkeley

    B.S. in General Engineering & Latin American Studies, United States Military Academy at West Point

    CA license no. C-32551

    Greg is a licensed architect, builder, and innovator with a passion for creating a better-built environment. With over 20 years of experience, Greg has dedicated his career to developing the SAFE Foundation System, a groundbreaking method for building in harmony with natural forces. This innovative approach addresses the challenges posed by earthquakes, floods, and rising sea levels, facilitating the responsible development of urban infill flood zones and providing much-needed affordable quality housing.

    Throughout his career, he has secured more than twenty US and international patents and received numerous honors and awards for his contributions across multiple industries. His work has been recognized by prestigious platforms such as Time Magazine and the United Nations World Summit.

  • Floating Specialist Arch., Eng., MBA

    CAROLINA JIMENEZ A.

    SENIOR DESIGNER, DIRECTOR, BAFH, Inc.

    B.A. Architecture, Berlin International University, Germany

    B. E. Environmental Health and Safety, Technological Institute of Costa Rica.

    Executive MBA

    Carolina is a versatile professional with a background in engineering and architecture, specializing in ecological and sustainable floating architecture. Her academic journey seamlessly blended these disciplines with a deep-rooted passion for innovative design. As a dynamic leader and project manager, she embodies a commitment to global adaptation and urban innovation. Carolina has cultivated expertise in conceptualizing and overseeing visionary projects that harmonize human-centered design with environmental sustainability, making impactful contributions across Costa Rica, Germany, and Finland.

    Her career journey reflects a profound responsibility toward environmental stewardship and a dedication to pushing the boundaries of architectural innovation. Her portfolio includes diverse achievements in developing sustainable solutions for global challenges, positioning her as a pivotal figure in shaping the future of urban living on water.

  • MARK DE JONG

    CHIEF CONSTRUCTION OFFICER, BAFH, Inc.

    B.A. Engineering and Construction Management, Higher Technical School, Amsterdam.

    CA license no. B-948190

    Mark has been a prominent figure in the construction industry for the past 35 years. His Dutch roots have significantly influenced his professional approach, particularly in the realm of prefabrication in the building industry.

    In 1994, Mark moved to San Francisco, USA, where he has built a successful business specializing in high-end house renovations and historic building restorations. One of his most notable projects includes the meticulous renovation of the South Murphy Windmill in Golden Gate Park, a landmark in San Francisco. This project not only highlights his expertise but also his dedication to preserving historical structures.

    Mark’s commitment to quality and innovation in construction is evident through his extensive portfolio of work. His signature approach to prefabrication has set a standard in the industry, reflecting his ability to blend traditional techniques with modern efficiencies. Mark continues to lead transformative projects, contributing significantly to the architectural landscape with his unique blend of skills and visionary thinking.

  • KIRSTIN WEEKS

    CHIEF ECOLOGICAL CONSULTANT, BAFH, Inc.

    B.A. in Environmental Studies, Dartmouth

    M.S. in Building Science, UC Berkeley

    Kirstin Weeks has over 20 years of experience working with teams to create regenerative, resilient built environments where people and nature thrive together. A leader in ecological design and planning, Kirstin specializes in biophilic design and integration of ecological function in the built environment. Kirstin’s experience extends from sustainability leadership on mixed-use, office, civic, academic and landscape projects to ecological restoration, city-scale plan development and cost-benefit studies. After 12 years as an energy and building ecology specialist at Arup, Kirstin started Bio Studio to offer a high level of regenerative design consulting while centering her passion for living systems and enhancement of wellbeing and environmental justice through connection to nature.

    Kirstin has a professional Certificate in Ecological Restoration from UVic. Her credentials include LEED Accreditation, Living Future Accreditation, Certified Energy Manager, Green Roof Professional and WELL Accreditation. She was named Living Future Hero by the International Living Future Institute in 2021 and her firm was named Best California Urban Ecology Consultancy by BUILD in 2023.